Electric Bikes

Kalkhoff electric bikes are market leaders for innovation and performance. They're designed, manufactured and tested by Derby Cycle, Germany's biggest bicycle manufacturer. They're fast, light, comfortable, high performance electric bicycles, with very long ranges and great equipment as standard. 50cycles have been selling Kalkhoff electric bikes in the UK since 2007 and there are now tens of thousands of them on British roads.

Electric bikes mean you can enjoy cycling whatever your age, ability or the local terrain. Electric bikes have the power to make cycling make sense for everybody.

Why Choose an Electric Bike?

Electric bikes have moved on in leaps and bounds since they were first developed; the frames are lighter, batteries last longer, and the styles are plentiful. They’re used by the cycling elite, commuters, leisure riders and everything in between, and it’s easy to see why.

Aside from getting you where you need to be faster than a standard bike, electric bikes offer many other benefits including ironing out hills, allowing you embark on long-distance cruises without getting tired, getting fitter, and just making the most of the great outdoors. Plus, it’s a great way to get out of your car and off the bus and on to the roads yourself. It really is an exhilarating experience that we’d encourage everyone to try at least once in their lifetime.

There are two main ways in which to power an electric bicycle. Both have their advantages and disadvantages:

Pedal Assist

Also known as a power assisted bike or a Pedelec. In our opinion, this is the best way to power an electric bike (within the limitations imposed by physics, and the law!) A centre motor, as used in a motorcycle, multiplies your own power, giving you more bang for your pedalling buck. You'll find this system in play in the majority of electric bikes from super-robust electric mountain bikes to the commuter-favourite performance range.

Switch down the gears when you require a little more “oomph” to get up that steep hill, or stay a little higher to keep the assistance at a minimum. This kind of electric bike is incredibly popular as the wide choice of gears offer an incredibly flexible riding experience which is suitable for all fitness levels.

Twist and Go

Also known as a full power bike or hub motor electric bike. This kind of electric bike had a motor in one of the wheels which is hooked up to a battery. It is no longer legal to ride these in the UK. 50cycles ceased selling twist and go e-bikes with hub motors several years ago.

The big advantage of this kind of bike was that therewas no need to pedal, making it ideal for those who weren’t as active as they used to be. The downside were range, reliability and safety.

If you’re unsure about which electric bike would be best for your lifestyle, or you just fancy taking a spin on one to see if it’s for you, why not drop in to one of our showrooms (Loughborough, Shoreham-by-Sea, Bristol, and London) where we’d be more than happy to help!